Harper calls on Russia to end opposition to UN sanctions on Syria

OTTAWA – Stephen Harper is calling on Russia to stop blocking United Nations attempts to impose sanctions on the “murderous” Syrian regime of Bashar Assad.

The prime minister singled out Russia by name during question period to contribute international efforts to binding sanctions on the Assad regime.

Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and has opposed any use of force to remove Assad, or any resolutions on sanctions.

Canada has been attempting to persuade Russia to stop supporting its long-time Middle East ally as part of a broader effort led by the United States.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned this week that the Syrian conflict could escalate dramatically because Russia is sending attack helicopters to Syria for use by the Assad regime.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has denied the claim.